Skip the usual capitals and explore 7 underrated cities—from Tbilisi to Valparaíso—where culture, cuisine, and crowd-free charm shine.

Kanazawa, Japan — Craft and Quiet Gardens Kanazawa rewards curious travelers with a graceful blend of craftsmanship, culinary freshness, and calm urban rhythms. Wander the mossy paths of Kenrokuen Garden, where artful ponds, lanterns, and sculpted pines show a refined sense of balance. Nearby, the Higashi Chaya district whispers with the sound of shamisen practice and the soft glow of teahouse lattices, while Nagamachi reveals samurai residences tucked behind stone walls and winding lanes. At Omicho Market, vendors pile snow-fresh seafood and gleaming produce, inviting tastings that reveal the city's coastal bounty. Kanazawa's famed gold leaf decorates desserts and crafts, connecting everyday treats to a centuries-old artisan tradition. Contemporary galleries and design-forward cafés sit comfortably beside timeworn workshops, making it easy to move between past and present. Compact and walkable, the city rewards slow mornings and unhurried evenings, where a bowl of steaming noodles and a drizzle of rain feel like part of the itinerary.

Trieste, Italy — Where Sea Meets Salon Culture Set on the Adriatic, Trieste pairs a maritime outlook with an elegant, Habsburg-era silhouette. Stately palaces frame broad squares that open to the water, while historic cafés hum with conversation and clinking cups, continuing a storied coffee culture. Stroll the grand waterfront to feel the city's seafaring heartbeat, then wander into narrow side streets for literary echoes, fresh seafood, and tiny pastry counters. The limestone Karst plateau rises behind the city, bringing breezes, hiking paths, and rustic osmize farmhouses where cured meats and local wines invite leisurely afternoons. Architectural layers reveal influences from neighboring cultures, lending a cosmopolitan charm that feels both worldly and intimate. The city's natural amphitheater of hills and harbor glows at sunset, turning facades honey-gold and the sea a deeper blue. Without the crush of crowds, Trieste invites thoughtful exploration—lingering over a slice of strudel, tracing shoreline promenades, and letting the wind write the day's plan.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria — Ancient Stones, Modern Pulse One of Europe's most continuously inhabited cities, Plovdiv fuses Roman arches, Bulgarian Revival mansions, and a lively creative beat. Climb the seven hills to catch sweeping views, or lose yourself in the Old Town, where cobblestone lanes curve past wooden houses with ornate eaves and hidden courtyards. The Roman Theatre stands remarkably intact, a reminder that dramas once played to a skyline of distant ridges. Down in Kapana, the city's creative district, independent galleries, workshops, and cafés spill onto the streets, mixing street art with espresso aromas and vinyl records. Markets brim with seasonal produce and local cheeses, while nearby wine regions tempt with tastings and vineyard lunches. Plovdiv's charm lies in its balance—antiquity at your feet, modern design at your table, and a friendly pace that encourages conversation. It is a city to savor slowly, map folded away, as you follow murals, music, and faint echoes of ancient footsteps.

Ghent, Belgium — Canals with a Creative Edge Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Ghent rewards those who look beyond postcard crowds with a layered blend of medieval architecture and modern ingenuity. Its canals mirror gabled guild houses, while the Gravensteen castle anchors the historic core with rugged stone walls and winding battlements. Inside St Bavo's Cathedral, art and quiet devotion coexist, yet the city never feels frozen in time. A dynamic university presence fuels a strong cycling culture, forward-thinking shops, and trailblazing chefs. Cozy brown cafés share corners with minimalist roasteries, and local beer traditions sit comfortably beside inventive plant-forward menus. By evening, soft lighting kisses the riverfront, inviting strolls past bridges and bookshops. Ghent excels at accessible culture—intimate museums, street festivals, and pop-up performances that feel like neighborhood secrets. With ample bike lanes and compact distances, it is easy to explore sustainably, discovering courtyards, artisan studios, and waterside benches perfect for a lingering chat.

Da Nang, Vietnam — Beaches, Bridges, and Bright Flavors Sitting between mountains and sea, Da Nang is a coastal city that blends a relaxed beach vibe with energetic urban life. Morning light gilds My Khe Beach, where surfers and walkers share wide sands, while the Marble Mountains offer pagodas, caves, and hilltop views over a shimmering bay. The sinuous Dragon Bridge breathes color over the river at night, and the Son Tra peninsula provides jungled roads, hidden coves, and the occasional monkey sighting. Food is central here—bowls of mi quang rich with herbs and peanuts, crisp-edged banh xeo, and strong coffee sipped slowly under roadside shade. Markets bustle with fishmongers and fruit sellers, creating a daily theater of abundance. Museums tick with Cham history, revealing intricate sculptures and carved stories. With warm hospitality and straightforward transport, Da Nang is easy to navigate, inviting both sunrise swims and late-night street food, with day trips to mountains or lantern-lit towns as a bonus.

Querétaro, Mexico — Stone Arches and Storybook Streets The historic heart of Querétaro charms with pocket plazas, baroque facades, and the sweeping line of its iconic aqueduct striding across the skyline. In the Centro Histórico, leafy squares connect by pedestrian lanes, where fountains and wrought-iron balconies frame cafés humming with guitar and conversation. Nearby valleys nurture vineyards and creameries, making wine-and-cheese pairings a delicious excuse for countryside drives. The towering Peña de Bernal invites hikers to pause mid-ascent and savor views of patchwork towns and golden fields. Museums detail regional heritage, while local crafts—from textiles to pottery—fill independent shops with thoughtful souvenirs. Evenings unfold gently: a plate of enchiladas from a family kitchen, a glass of crisp white wine, and a cool breeze drifting through arcades. Safe, walkable, and full of cultural layers, Querétaro blends colonial elegance with contemporary creativity, rewarding explorers who prefer meaningful moments over fast-paced checklists.

Halifax, Canada — Salt Air and Friendly Streets With its lively waterfront, storied maritime history, and neighborhood warmth, Halifax offers the feel of a large town with real ocean energy. Follow the boardwalk past sailboats, seafood shacks, and buskers, or climb to the star-shaped Citadel for harbor views and the echo of ceremonial drills. The Public Gardens bloom in the city center, providing a serene place to slow your pace. Seafood shines—think buttery lobster rolls, sweet scallops, and chowders that cradle the essence of the Atlantic—while the beloved donair adds a local twist to late-night cravings. Breweries and cider houses foster a sociable craft scene, pairing coastal flavors with convivial taprooms. Day trips lead to wave-battered lighthouses and colorful fishing villages, yet the best moments often happen in town: a chat with a fishmonger, a bluegrass set in a pub, or sea spray drifting across a sunset walk. Halifax is approachable, genuine, and quietly unforgettable.